The Underrated Music City Outside Of Nashville That Everyone Needs To Visit

Matthew Shultz of Cage the Elephant performs onstage during the 2017 Governors Ball Music Festival. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

While Nashville is known as "Music City," there's a neighboring town that needs to be on every music lover's radar. Just a short, one-hour drive from the popular Tennessee capital is Kentucky's, Bowling Green. Not only is the state's third largest city home to Western Kentucky University, it also has an up-and-coming music scene you can't ignore.

Whether you're a Nashville native looking to broaden your musical horizon or a tourist in the area hoping to find a low-key intimate venue featuring superstar talent, this might be exactly what you're looking for. To prove it, ahead are a few incredible things to know about the underrated area.

No matter how big they've gotten, the hit rock band will never forget where they came from. The six member band has always been supportive of their hometown, so much that a few days after WKU's 14-point victory over Eastern Kentucky University, they offered to throw a free concert on campus for students in the future. If you're a fan of the group or their genre, in general, you should keep an eye out for the next time the Grammy award-winning artists decide to come back.

Brunch at The Bistro restaurant.

Photo: Isis Briones

2. Music isn't the only thing on the rise.

Without losing its humble roots, Bowling Green's food scene is rapidly rising. Not only is the Wild Eggs restaurant dominating with what is supposed to be Louisville's signature dish, the Hot Brown, there are a number of unique menus frequently popping up around town. From The Bistro's diverse, one-of-a-kind mimosa selection to White Squirrel Brewery's unforgettable duck confit nachos, we have a feeling these innovative meals are only the beginning. For travelers who are total foodies, I recommend investing in the recently released LG V30 because as you can see, it captured the city's best dishes in quality detail. I couldn't resist snapping pic after pic and trust me, everything is as good as it looks.

Wild Eggs' famous Kentucky hot brown.

Photo: Isis Briones

3. The stars become townies, too.

There's always a big name headlining at WKU or the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC), which are both located near The Kentucky Grand Hotel. The exquisite hotel is at the heart of downtown and is the epitome of Southern comfort with a charming piano bar right inside. It's no wonder why most artists — Cage the Elephant included — who perform in town end up spending the night at the lovely and convenient hotel.

In short, it's easy to spot the stars if you hang out by the hotel long enough. However, if you can't handle a celebrity stake out or the zoom on your phone isn't as good as my LG smartphone, you should hands down treat yourself to one of the luxury rooms. A nightly stay can be as little as $269 and once you enter the fancy suites, you'll instantly feel like one of the rockstars who have stayed there. That alone is worth the visit. If you manage to find yourself around during the week, famous Nashville songwriters are also brought in to perform at one of the penthouses on Tuesday nights. It's no Luke Bryan, but it could be someone who's worked with him.

White Squirrel's duck confit nachos.

Photo: Isis Briones

4. The cheap drinks and live music are a dream come true.

These two things go hand in hand at this Western Kentucky city. You can always find someone jamming in the background where discounted drinks are being served. Though folk and bluegrass music are common favorites, there are diverse musicians all over town.

5. Don't forget its distinct history.

Back in the '30s, Lost River Cave was deemed American's only air-conditioned nightclub because of the natural air that flowed through it. Now it's turned into the state's only underground boat tour where you'll discover the cavern's monumental structures. There's no better combination than music and nature, so plan a trip ASAP.